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A Case for Mentally Ground Breaking Learning

My internet travels have led me to a fascinating multimedia application that is highly effective from both a learner and educator perspective. Mental Case is a study application that is designed to make learning not only more efficient, but a multimedia experience. It uses your notes like flashcards that can take the form of text, visuals, video, audio clips and combines them into study presentations. You can create your own or download pre-made flashcards from sites like Flashcard exchange or Quizlet.

Photo 2: Mental Case (2012). [Screen Shot].

The study presentations are based on your preferred learning selections: Q& A, multiple choice, reversible note, simple note, or translation which make learning far from rote! It expands these presentations with related lesson and feedback activities that allow you to assess your own learning process. You can also set the learning pace to meet your needs and preferred learning style with options that vary from long-term, target deadlines, short-term cramming, intermittent or unscheduled study. For ESL learning applications, there are amazing self-directed learning possibilities.

The flashcard is no longer just a visual cue reference. It allows you to imbed image files to accompany the new word or grammar prompt or audio files for pronunciation. You can even incorporate video clips for enhanced learning references like the socio-cultural aspects of language learning rendering the flashcard a more complete learning activity. This functionality sets it apart as one of the most innovative of learning apps. The easy drag and drop tool for image files, built-in features like iSight camera and screenshots provide rich learning experiences. It really has thought through the learning methodology as TÚAW (2013) remarks that “education is deeply imbued in the Apple DNA”.

Photo 3: VoiceThread (2013).[ Screen Shot].

Are there are any drawbacks? If you are not a Mac fan or owner, well then this is app is not for you. It is specifically designed as a Mac app that can sync between iPhone, iPad, iTouch and desktop for 29.99 US at the Mac store or free with iTunes. What that includes is free access to the massive Flashcard Exchange libraries which normally require paid access outside this app. Thus, it is another score for Mac and intriguing way to extend the learning curve for the ipad generation. “Mental Case is a well-designed application that would definitely benefit many who need to learn heaps of new information” (Bennet, 2012). http://www.mentalcaseapp.com/

Since we are on the Mac bandwagon, I would be negligent if I did not talk about all the rage surrounding VoiceThread as an educational tool. Digital storytelling is becoming a standard part of the 21st century skill set for educators and students. It requires learners to consider the message they wish to convey through all digital narrative creative components and process: meaningful audio soundtrack, image quality, economy of detail, grammar and language use, video and additional multimedia elements relative the intended goal (University of Houston, 2013). In addition to digital and information literacy skills, the power of this form of storytelling is its ability to inspire learners to share, be accountable and engage in meaningful dialogue about their work and the contribution of others.

Photo 4: VoiceThread (2012).[ Screen Shot].

Mac’s highly touted digital storytelling application is Voice Thread (VT). This is a simple way to introduce learners to the value and art of learning through exchanging our narratives about the world we live in. It allows the learner to incorporate image or video files directly from your mobile device or library as narrative input or annotative feedback. The difference is that learners can engage with the content through thumbnail size video clips of the speaker and others in a continuous conversation and feedback process providing a multisensory learning experience. “VoiceThread takes your conversations to the next level, capturing your presence, not just your comments… and invites others to learn and contribute to the conversation via their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC” (University of Houston, 2013) wherever they have access to the internet.

The possibilities for ESL or intercultural communication include a more interactive experience that taps into varied learning styles by capturing the gestures, tone and inflection of voice attached to real people. Learners and educators can engage in real conversations that extend across countries and cultures. Open each thumbnail comment as they are added to hear and see what participants are saying in a more complete communication exchange.

The basic limited account is free and it may be enough to get you started with simple video creation and commenting. The possibility for analytics feedback is also available, but you will need to upgrade to an institutional or business license which will cost you depending on the type of support and user needs. “More than 25% of the top Universities in the U.S. use VoiceThread to connect and communicate around digital media” (VoiceThread, 2013). http://voicethread.com/

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2 thoughts on “A Case for Mentally Ground Breaking Learning”

Hi Jude:
I really enjoyed reading your blog. You introduced me to so many possibilities and concepts I could implement into my pedagogy approach as adult educator. Even though, I am specializing in ESL, I see how effective the flashcard and the digital storytelling would be with the ABE/GED adult learners as well. I get excited about empowering this specific group of adult learners because technology is driving the reinvention of American jobs, therefore our pedagogy approach must be extremely effective for them to become gainfully employed or further their education. Great blog.

Thanks Worley! That is what blog networking is all about–connecting, sharing and inspiring others. You are right that technology is fundamentallly driving a different kind of skill set, different career parameters and a different kind of 21st century citizen!